This page provides the official firmware for the BQ S60, a vintage smartphone from the early 2010s. Based on the file details, this device is powered by the classic MediaTek MT6589 chipset and runs on the outdated Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system. This is not a standard firmware package; it is a single .BIN file, which is a full memory image of the phone’s storage. This type of file is used for a low-level flash, often to unbrick a completely dead BQ S60 or perform a complete, byte-for-byte restoration of its original software.
The flashing process for a .BIN file is an advanced procedure that requires using the “Write Memory” function in the SP Flash Tool. It is intended for technicians and experienced users. Proceed with extreme caution.
User Data and Security Advisory for the BQ S60
Extreme Caution Advised: The “Write Memory” function is a powerful tool that can permanently brick your device if the wrong file or memory address is used. All data will be erased. Furthermore, please be aware that as of September 2025, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean is critically outdated and has not received security updates in over a decade. Using this device for online activities poses a significant security risk. This firmware is recommended for restoration or offline purposes only.
BQ S60: Quick Device Specifications (Estimated)
The BQ S60 is a rare device with limited public information. The specifications below are estimated based on the chipset and typical hardware from the 2013 era.
- Device Model:
- BQ S60
- Release Date:
- Circa 2013-2014
- Chipset:
- MediaTek MT6589 (Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7)
- Display:
- Estimated 4.5 – 5.0 inches, 540 x 960 (qHD) or 720 x 1280 (HD) pixels
- Battery:
- Estimated 2000-2500 mAh
- RAM/Storage:
- 1GB RAM / 4GB or 8GB Internal Storage
- Original OS:
- Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following tools and drivers to flash the firmware onto your device.
- SP Flash Tool (Latest Version)
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
- The BQ S60 Firmware Package (from the table below)
BQ S60 Firmware Download Links
| Filename | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| BQ_S60_MT6589_JB2_BIN.zip | 4.2 Jelly Bean | 375MB | Download (MediaFire) |
How to Flash BQ S60 BIN Firmware (Write Memory Method)
This is an advanced method. A mistake here can be irreversible. There is currently no detailed pillar article for this specific method.
- Preparation: Download and extract the firmware, SP Flash Tool, and MTK VCOM drivers. Install the drivers, disabling driver signature enforcement on Windows if needed.
- Open Write Memory Tab: Launch
flash_tool.exe. Press Ctrl+Alt+V to enable advanced mode, then go to Window > Write Memory. The “Write Memory” tab will now appear. - Load BIN File: Click on the “File Path” browser icon and select the
BQ_S60_..._BIN.binfile from the extracted firmware folder. - Enter Begin Address: This is the most critical step. For a full flash, the begin address is typically
0x0. However, this address can vary. Entering the wrong address will brick the phone. You are proceeding at your own risk. - Start Flashing: Click the “Write Memory” button. Power off your BQ S60 completely and connect it to the PC. The tool should detect the phone and begin the writing process. A green tick will appear on completion.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some specific issues related to this vintage device and advanced flashing method.
1. Device is Completely Dead After Flashing
Cause: This is the primary risk of the Write Memory function. It can happen if you used a BIN file for the wrong device, or more commonly, if you entered an incorrect “Begin Address,” which overwrites the phone’s bootloader (preloader) and partition table with garbage data.
Solution: Recovery is extremely difficult and often not possible without specialized hardware tools (JTAG/ISP). Always double-check your file and settings before proceeding.
2. “Google Play Services has stopped” Constantly Appears
Cause: The version of Google Play Services required for modern apps is not compatible with Android 4.2. The original, outdated version on the firmware may constantly try to update and fail, causing crashes.
Solution: This is a fundamental limitation of the old OS. The best approach is to use the device offline or only with the pre-installed, original apps. You can try to disable Google Play Services in Settings > Apps, but this may cause other pre-installed apps to fail.
3. Extremely Low Internal Storage Space
Cause: This is normal for a device from this era. The BQ S60 likely came with only 4GB of internal storage, of which only 1-2GB would be available to the user for apps and media.
Solution: A clean flash will free up all available space. After flashing, install only the most essential, lightweight applications. Use an external SD card for all photos, videos, and music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I install modern apps like WhatsApp or YouTube on this phone?
- No. As of 2025, virtually all modern applications require Android 5.0 or newer. The Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on the BQ S60 is too old and will not be compatible with apps from the Google Play Store.
- What is a .BIN firmware file and how is it different from a normal ROM?
- A standard ROM contains separate image files for each partition (system.img, boot.img, etc.) guided by a scatter file. A .BIN file is typically a single, raw binary dump of a section of the phone’s memory, or sometimes the entire memory chip. It’s like a complete clone, flashed to a specific starting address.
- Is it safe to browse the internet on the BQ S60 today?
- No, it is extremely unsafe. Android 4.2 has countless unpatched security vulnerabilities that modern malware can easily exploit. Connecting this device to the internet, especially for browsing or entering passwords, puts your data at severe risk. It should be used for offline purposes only.
- Why did SP Flash Tool give me an error before flashing started?
- This is usually a driver or connection issue. Ensure your VCOM drivers are correctly installed, you are using a good USB cable, and that the phone was completely powered off before connecting it to the computer.
Conclusion
Restoring the BQ S60 is a task for enthusiasts and technicians looking to revive a piece of mobile history. This official .BIN firmware and the advanced “Write Memory” method provide the necessary tools to perform a complete software overhaul. Given the age of the device and the risks involved, this process should be undertaken with great care and for preservation or offline use only.
If this guide was helpful, please let us know in the comments. We appreciate hearing about your experiences with vintage devices.